Customer Reviews

Piecing: Expanding the Basics

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Really, the best primer I've seen on curved & angled seams. Even includes a review of basic straight seams. Ruth's a great technical writer and instills confidence that you can achieve her results (and you really can). Would make a great gift for the quilter who wants to branch out into more complex seamwork. Thanks Ruth B!!

This is a book that stands alone. I was reluctant to purchase it because it only had 2 reviews, but all I can say is WOW! The sheer artistry alone is worth the price of the book. I cannot explain in words the beauty and life, as well as likeness of the subject, that the pieces in this book depict. I have not yet been able to use the techniques as I have just purchased it and am a beginning quilter as well. There is no doubt, however, that it will be nothing less than everything you need to know about expanding the basics of piecing. I am highly confident this book will teach me so much. Even if I weren't planning on quilting, which I am, I would still buy this book for its aesthetics.

I borrowed this book from the library after seeing a quilt my aunt made after attending a class taught by Ruth Mcdowell. Ruth is an amazingly talented artist, and for her to even compile and explain her techniques to us...wow! I can honestly say that I am overwhelmed and more nervous than even to try and learn how to piece like she does. But the book is definitely inspiring and one I can look at over and over again. The book is set up in such a way to be a step-by-step, hands on guide. The quilts featured in the book are fabulous and mind-boggling. This book is not for beginners to sew from, but for quilters to dream from!

This is a wonderful book. It really helped to unleash my creativity. I have been gathering fabrics ever since my first glance at this book, to put together my new masterpiece. I am really excited about trying some of the techniques. I don't have time to write anymore...I have to get started on my new project!!! Lynne

This book has been out for a long time, but remains and important reference for anyone who wants to make a quilt with complicated piecing. Her technique LOOKS complicated, but is actually easy once you study the basics. It's a definite MUST HAVE for any quilter's library. My skill at piecing intricate curves, points and seams increased substantially after working with this book.

I liked this book and the wonderful ways in which the author was able to transform a picture into a quilt. All her techniques to this approach were wonderful.

However if found that there was just too many pieces going on in some of the quilts for me. I appreciated knowing how she accomplished what she did and was inspired by her work...i think i will work with a few less pieces...

Like I said, if you are a quilter, and DO NOT have this book - your quilting library is incomplete! I don't have many friends that are into quilting, and they thought quilting is an old-fashioned and "for old people" art, but I crushed those believes by showing them this book. None of them will look at quilting the same way again.
The instructions in the book are very specific, and although the quilts are complicated and constructed from many, many, many pieces, by following Ruth's instructions step-by-step I believe any quilter will achieve stunning results (even I - a full time working mom of 3 kids!)
I could not imagine my house without this book! In fact, I have 2 copies just in case (what a wonderful gift it will make for a quilter!) If you can find this book - do not even question whether or not you should purchase it, question how many copies you will need. Even if you do not quilt yourself - the book is a masterpiece that can easily be displayed on your coffee table - a sure eye catcher!

This book is informative, but the same information in Ruth McDowell's Piecing Workshop is presented in far greater detail. If you want to buy only one book, buy Piecing Workshop.

I enjoyed this book tremendously and refer to it often. Until recently, I was somewhat hesitant to try curved piecing and felt that sometimes my quilting lacked imagination. McDowell's book helped me on both counts. I'll be using this book for a long time and will wait hopefully for another book from her soon.

I had a question about my book and received a prompt answer. Would not hesitate to buy from
them again.